Thank you all for your kind reviews! The ceiling hit 70, man I am happy. And yeah! I am having so much fun writing this, that I need to keep liquids away as to not choke while laughing. Also, I could really use the hand with editing this. Anyone willing to offer a hand is more than welcome.
As always I own nothing of the danganronpa franchise.
Chapter 6. Who is this girl? You had those hobbies? Meditation, swimming and lunch.
When Naegi thought of spending time with his online friend's many activities came to mind. But honestly, while cosplay was one of them, he wasn't expecting to be the unwilling participant in a photoshoot in the school hallways.
"Yes! Keep that pose!"
Shirogane was smiling as she took pictures. She was really enjoying the activity. She might not be the best photographer, there was an ultimate photographer after all. There was already an ultimate photographer. But she could manage to get some good pictures. Especially since the target of those pictures was her friend.
Naegi was while a bit embarrassed, having fun. It was nice to see Shirogane being so active. From their chats he knew she was more often than not someone who kept to herself. Not really going out of her own spaces. So seeing her being so confident was nice. Plus, he had to admit, her spirits about cosplay were contagious. He found himself trying for her. And a part of him was really enjoying the whole activity.
"Nice Naegi! We got some nice pictures!"
She approached him and showed him the pictures from the camera, the display screen showing the many pictures he had taken. Both found themselves smiling seeing how it went.
"I heard there is an ultimate photographer. Maybe we should try to find it. I can only imagine how better it would be to have a pro with us."
Naegi found himself thinking about it. Meanwhile, Shirogane was looking at the pictures again.
"How many ultimates are there?"
She was in thought for a moment.
"From what I recall, quite the number, I saw a few talents when I was given my room for the talent development plan. There is a chef, a photographer, an inventor, there was also the ultimate programmer… oh, there was also the ultimate martial artist and a swimmer... I can't really remember the rest, we will get to meet them for sure."
She smiled while checking a particular photo of Naegi posing as Taiga. She was going to keep that one for her own special collection.
Naegi meanwhile smiled at the idea of meeting all of his classmates.
Shirogane wondered for a moment if Naegi and she would share classrooms…
She decided to send those thoughts away, and simply focus on the moment they were sharing.
"I got to say Naegi, I am still surprised at how much of a good Taiga you do."
Naegi chuckled scratching the back of his neck, he found himself having the barrier of hair that was the wig.
"Well… is only because you did the costume Shirogane."
She smiled but pointed at his chest.
"The only reason it truly shines is that you're passionate to this. Trust me, if you lack passion you can't do anything."
As they were chatting a girl walked in their direction. Mostly curious because she heard the name Naegi.
"Hey there, what are you two doing?"
Shirogane looked at the girl and smiled politely at her. Naegi took notice of how her face looked to be polite. As if she wanted to speak, but wasn't as happy as with him.
"Greetings. I am Tsumugi Shirogane. And the one at my right is Makoto Naegi. He was using one of my cosplay costumes. Doesn't he look great?"
She spoke with a tone of voice that made Naegi understand that she didn't really open to the girl in front of them. She was tall and lean, her black hair tied in a ponytail. She looked at them but specifically focused on him.
Tenko Chabashira was having a heart attack.
Her wildest dream was becoming a reality. Makoto Naegi was a girl! Well… he was doing cosplay. So he was still a boy deep down. But still! He was adorable!
"He looks amazing!"
She ended up blurting the words with too much excitement. But instead of receiving any mockery or comments she got a smile from the girl with the glasses and the camera.
"I know! He is perfect for this. The uniform of Taiga really suits him! And even the wig fitted him perfectly!"
Chabashira might not know who Taiga was. However, she was thankful to whoever created the character. Moreover, she found herself thanking the parents of Naegi, mostly his mother for giving her genes to his son who obviously looked feminine.
The voice of Shirogane broke her thoughts.
"Would you like to take a picture with Naegi?"
Eh?
"Eh? Really?"
Shirogane nodded at her with a smile.
"Is pretty obvious you really like how Naegi cosplay looks, so I am guessing you want to take a picture with him."
Naegi looked at her. And she found herself internally cursing his hopeful eyes. It wasn't fair for a boy to have such a devastating weapon.
"…If is not a problem."
Both Naegi and Shirogane smiled at her.
"Just get right next to Naegi, I will take the pictures with the camera."
She did as told. Naegi and Shirogane were both impressed at the speed of the girl to get at his side. Naegi found himself surprised. But still, he smiled at her. He found himself asking her something.
"Oh, you didn't tell us your name."
She smiled at him and offered her hand.
"Chabashira, Tenko Chabashira."
Naegi shook her hand. Meanwhile, Shirogane found herself taking pictures non stop. This was gold to her. She thought of something.
"Why don't you two make poses? You know the usual."
Naegi didn't know what she meant, but Chabashira did. She motioned for him to copy her poses. The usual poses one would see girls doing for pictures. Shirogane was keeping herself under control to avoid spewing out the many words of how adorable this was turning out to be.
She could see from a mile away how much Chabashira liked Naegi. She could even see it without her glasses.
She knew a business opportunity when she saw one.
By the end of the pictures, Chabashira asked Naegi if she could take a picture with her cellphone.
She took a couple of selfies posing with him. She thanked both of them.
"I really appreciate it…"
She took to see Naegi for a while. Shirogane decided to do her good deed of the day.
"Well, why don't we go to print the pictures? You can come with us."
The girl smiled happily at them. Linking arms with Naegi.
That proved what she was thinking. Tenko Chabashira knew Naegi from somewhere. And was interested in him. Well. The competition was always welcome. Plus she felt that in a way, Chabashira shared the passion in seeing Naegi in cosplay.
Maybe she could show her some anime? Try to bond with a classmate?
Naegi did tell her before that she should try to share her hobbies more. Why not try with Chabashira?
Back in the workshop of the ultimate cosplayer, Naegi was back in his normal clothes. Shirogane had helped him remove the makeup and the wig. She did say he was welcome any time to come visit her. She spends all her free time in the room saying it was a second home to her.
Naegi nodded and before he could leave he found his hand being held by a seemingly embarrassed Chabashira.
She had made her mind before doing that. She had promised herself she would look for Naegi and invite him to practice Neo-Aikido.
"Naegi, would you like to… come practice with me in the gym room? I believe you could like Neo-Aikido."
As this exchange went by. Shirogane was making sure to mentally take measures of Chabashira.
"Yes…. That height… she could be the prince…and he could be the princess… Utena and Anthy… mmm maybe something else?"
She was thinking of ideas of a couple cosplay. She would need to research more.
"Oh. Neo-Aikido? I have a friend who also practices! She often would make new moves and even tell me she would use it to keep girls safe."
Chabashira nodded smiling at him.
"I know, I often would tell you of my new moves. And how I wouldn't let anyone else touch your butt."
This declaration made Naegi surprise and embarrassment show in his face. And Shirogane found herself in the need of hurting whoever dared to do such a thing to Naegi. He was hers!
"… its you!"
Naegi found himself smiling. And Chabashira found herself nodding.
"Yeah… I am sorry if I don't look how you expected me to be…"
Naegi waved at her.
"Not at all! You look as cool as I thought you would be!"
Chabashira smiled at him and she ruffled his hair.
"You look shorter than I thought. Then again, I didn't expect meeting you in a skirt too."
Naegi face got a bit red at this jab at his clothes. Still, Chabashira wasn't done yet.
"Got to say though, it suited you. You looked cute Naegi, I mean it."
Shirogane chest swelled in pride. Of course, Naegi looked cute. She made the costume.
"… You know, your hair is quite long too… ever thought of styling it for fun?"
Naegi heard the sound of something being connected behind him. He peeked to look at Shirogane seemingly getting ready a hair straightener.
"Ah! We got to go practice, better have daylight! See you soon Shirogane!"
Naegi ran with Chabashira right behind him.
Meanwhile, the ultimate cosplayer wasn't reall giving them their attention to them as she proceeded to straighten a pink wig.
"Yeah, I believe she could make a fine Utena…. Naegi skin tone could be fixed with makeup…"
As Naegi stopped running, Chabashira started guiding him to the gym room.
"Well, the gym is not that big, but it should be useful for us."
When she opened the door of the gym. Naegi was wondering exactly why she thought it wasn't big. He could see a lot of space, but he saw a pool at the end of the room. What looked like an Olympic pool too!
"Well, let us start with some meditation, is good to let relax our bodies before we begin exercising."
Naegi nodded at her. She proceeded to show him how to sit and told him to relax.
As he did this she was in her own thoughts. Seeing Naegi breathe in and out was soothing to her. Seeing him so relaxed. She couldn't avoid smiling. She was sure now. Naegi wasn't one of the degenerates. She got that vibe from seeing him do the cosplay with Shirogane. She was smiling the whole time. Feeling positive.
And it showed she wasn't one to trust easily judging by how she behaved when she found them. She still trusted Naegi easily….
But those pictures! Naegi looked adorable! It wasn't fair! She had solved the crisis of Naegi being a degenerate only to find herself in a new dilemma! Naegi dressed as a girl was adorable! The socks! The shoes, everything just fitted him!
Was this a way of Shirogane to keep Naegi away of degenerate males? There really was no way of knowing unless chatting with her. But for now, she was content in seeing Naegi meditating…
Maybe with longer hair…
No. No. She had to keep those doubts away. Naegi was just perfect the way he was.
But with longer hair, a different haircut, and a uniform…
"No!"
Her scream ended up making Naegi open his eyes.
"Chabashira?"
She looked nervous before speaking.
"Ah, I meant, no, don't call me Chabashira, it's too formal. We have been friends for a while you can just call me Tenko."
Naegi blinked in surprise but nonetheless smiled.
"Sure, I can do that Tenko!"
She found herself pleasantly sighing in relief and in happiness. The way her name was pronounced by him made her feel happy. She needed to be careful, her thoughts and speech were often too interconnected. Sometimes she simply and bluntly spoke her thoughts.
"Have you thought about getting your hair layered?"
Curses!
"Eh? I… not really never heard about it. Is it something new?"
May the spirits be blessed. Naegi wasn't in the known of that. Now she needed to be careful…
"I believe… we should practice a few stretching exercises. Just follow my lead."
She started slowly, showing him the proper way to stretch and breath as they followed the routine. She was explaining the importance of stretching. Why they needed to warm up and why this was the best way for them to prepare.
"Neo-Aikido is more offensive. So you need to be warmed up to be able to use the offensive movements, different to Aikido we don't stay put, we go forward for the attack. The best defense is a powerful attack. Plus if you manage to incapacitate the opponent in the first move, the fight might as well be over."
As Naegi followed her routine, he found himself surprised on her stretching. It was obvious she was already used to this routine. She also seemed to notice Naegi didn't have the same condition as she did.
She smiled motioning for him to relax.
"Sit, breath in, and let the air flow. Breathing is a key feature in martial arts. Plus I don't expect you to go around doing everything from day one. We are going to work together to make this work!"
She laughed before offering a hand in the back to Naegi.
"When I am done with you, you will be the best at Neo-Aikido!"
Naegi seemed to laugh at her encouragement and spoke his honest thoughts.
"I think you mean second best. You will always be the number one Tenko."
This made her smile, she proceeded to move behind Naegi placing her hands in his back.
"Well, let me help you relax with some stretches… just breath in and out. I will help you."
Naegi blushed at the contact of her hands, she did small circles in his back as she helped him stretch and then just relax.
What Naegi didn't know was that Tenko was too blushing as she helped him. Their moment of relaxation turned into a small chat about what they each had been doing before getting into the school. Naegi spoke of the many people he had met yet so far.
Tenko took notice the big majority were girls… and judging by his stories and his inability to lie she noticed Naegi was quite popular with them… she couldn't blame them. Finding a boy like Naegi was hard. But she had an advantage.
An inside informant! A close ally from the enemy lines main base. She was friends with Komaru.
She knew she had the blessing of Komaru in her quest to get together with Naegi… well… yeah, she had her blessing.
You won't do anything weird with my brother, right?
Nothing at all I promise.
I am going to believe you… but only because you and my brother seem to chat a lot.
Well… thinking of making Naegi a bit more feminine instead of androgynous wasn't weird right? Well… she had better ask Komaru. Didn't want to break her promise to her.
After their moment came to end and both found themselves relaxed, they were both on the floor of the gym looking at the roof. She sighed in the pleasant silent.
"You know… I am happy to be able to share time with you Naegi… thanks for this."
She stood up from her place. And offered a hand to him. Which he waved at her.
"I will be staying here for a while… don't worry."
She smiled at him before nodding and kneeling to ruffle his hair.
"Stay strong my disciple."
She left a blushing Naegi as she went to her room. She needed to get a cold shower to reflect in her thoughts and communicate with Komaru regarding her thoughts of Naegi.
As Naegi was left alone on the floor of the gym he heard a door opening and an energetic scream, he noticed two voices.
"Let's go Sakura! There is no exercise like swimming!"
"I am coming. Don't need to rush yourself Aoi."
"But I do need to rush! Swimming is the best! We need to make the best out of these days that the pool will be empty."
Sakura voice sounded strong, and Aoi was energetic. As he moved in his spot in the floor and looked towards the pool he saw a small girl with a swimsuit and tanned skin waving at him.
"Hey there! You are coming to the pool too?!"
There was a taller girl next to her, she had strong looking muscles and seemed to be a warrior… she seemed to be in a uniform that was a bit ripped. If Naegi ever saw one, the girl was the description of a warrior.
"Greetings. I thought the gym was empty. We apologize if we bothered your training."
Naegi chuckled.
"Not at all, I was practicing with my friend Tenko. She just left and I decided to rest a bit too in here."
The taller girl nodded and seemed to catch on.
"You mean Tenko Chabashira. The Neo-Aikido practitioner?"
Naegi nodded at her in surprise.
"Indeed! How did you know?"
The taller girl smiled. Naegi took notice that she seemed to be kinder than her looks might show.
"Tenko has fought me a few times before since we got in the school. I heard she was coming here. She is good, still got ways to go to finish developing her style. But is good."
The shorter girl nodded.
"Indeed! Me and Kenshiro saw the whole match!"
The mention of Kenshiro seemed to make the taller girl flinch.
"Yeah. They both saw me back then."
Naegi nodded and stood up. He had to present himself.
"Well, is a pleasure knowing both of you, I am Makoto Naegi."
The girls smiled and nodded. The short girl spoke first with the same energy she seemed to carry around.
"Aoi Asahina! The best swimmer you are ever going to see!"
The taller girl smiled too before nodding at him.
"Sakura Ogami. Ultimate martial artist at your service."
Well, they finally knew the name of the other. Sakura was the one to break the silence after the introduction.
"Naegi, seeing as you are here, would you mind acting as a referee? We were about to have a swimming competition."
Naegi nodded. He smiled at them.
"Of course! What should I do?"
At this Sakura threw a stopwatch at his direction, she threw it lightly. It still managed to take the wind out of him when it got him in the chest.
"Ah! Sorry, I guess that was still to much strength."
Aoi chuckled.
"You got ways to go when throwing things. You did knock the wind out of Mondo playing volleyball… and Mondo is like a wall of stone."
Sakura nodded.
"I must admit his grit is impressive to keep himself standing after that spike."
Aoi laughed.
"I believe you send him down in the sand. I am not sure that counts as standing."
Meanwhile, Naegi stood up with the stopwatch, the air back in his lungs hearing the story they were sharing. He approached them.
"So… what will you be doing?"
Both girls spoke at the same time.
"Eight laps!"
Naegi couldn't believe he heard them right. Eight laps? In the Olympic pool? Wasn't the distance of one extreme to the other fifty meters? And they were going to do eight laps?!
"A lap is counted when we reach the starting point! So when we complete twenty trips in the pool that means the ten laps are done Naegi. Essentially, we will be doing eight hundred meters. Is the olympic standard. "
Aoi spoke explaining him the rules with a smile on her face the whole time.
"Your work Naegi is to stop the stopwatch when one of us reaches you by the end. Think you can do it?"
He nodded at her.
"I believe I can do it!"
Aoi and Sakura nodded at him before taking a spot in the pool. They were ready.
"We will start when you say go Naegi!"
Naegi nodded. He looked at the stopwatch and at them.
"Go!"
He started the stopwatch and the girls jumped from their positions. Needless to say, Naegi was surprised. He was expecting to see them from the border. But when he took notice they were already on the edge of the pool and coming back.
The back and forth kept on. And Naegi took notice that while it seemed like Sakura had the advantage in the beginning, Aoi was coming closer and closer. By the point they were doing their seventh trip, Aoi was ahead of Sakura. Not by much, but enough as to prove she was winning. By the eight set, Aoi managed to touch the border of the pool by an advantage of a head from Sakura.
"Yes! Naegi! What was my time! I feel confident about it!"
Naegi looked at the stopwatch, he had managed to not get so distracted as to forget to hit it. He couldn't really believe his eyes.
Seven minutes. Was he seeing fishes swimming?!
When he shared the new with Aoi, she looked down and fell on the water with a pout in her face. Naegi didn't understand this until Sakura spoke.
"Her best time at eight hundred meters is six minutes and fifty-nine seconds. So essentially she was a second slower. She wants to be faster... I can't blame her, she has broken every swimming record out there, all she has left are her own records."
Naegi didn't remember properly. But he was sure the record in the Olympics was of eight minutes and a few seconds.
"Don't worry. She will come out of the water soon… well, two minutes, maybe three. She can really hold down her breath so I am not sure… speaking of which Naegi. I am curious. You don't look like a martial artist. What brought you into practicing Neo-Aikido?"
At this Naegi smiled sitting in the border of the pool.
"Oh, Tenko is my friend… well, is a fun story really."
Sakura smiled at him. She was enjoying the soothing aura Naegi had with him. She had gotten out of the pool to speak with him.
"Good, those are my favorite stories. Please go on."
Naegi went on as to explain how he made friends through a chatting app, and that one of those friends he chatted the most was Tenko. How she would often speak about Neo-Aikido and how she often said they should practice together when they met. He then went on to explain how it worked.
Sakura found herself nodding.
"I see… is pretty interesting, and I must comment on your eyes for detail. You seem to be able to understand the basis of her style easily."
Once the story was finished Aoi came out to the surface. She proceeded to remove the small cap she used to swim and Naegi finally saw the girl brown hair.
"Ah, I feel better… that was a nice story."
Naegi looked at her in surprise but Sakura beat him to it.
"Is just easier to let it go and don't ask questions. It just works that way."
He found himself laughing as an indignant Aoi hit her friend with her fists, that obviously did nothing to the impressive physique of Sakura.
"You are quite strong aren't you Sakura?"
The girl found herself nodding. At this Aoi grabbed her by the arm.
"She is! Look at this! Come on Sakura! I won the race… please?"
Sakura found herself sighing. But Naegi could see it was just a joke as she brought her arm up with little effort, bringing with it a small Aoi out of the water and to the outside of the pool.
"See! She can lift me up without any trouble!"
She smiled excitedly as Sakura just smiled softly.
"Is good to see you two are such good friends."
Aoi nodded excitedly before pointing at Sakura. A mischievous smile in her face.
"Naegi! Be honest here. Is Sakura cool or not?"
Sakura looked at Aoi with a disapproving stare, the other girl just shrugged and kept her smile. Meanwhile, Naegi was seeing Sakura and thought only one thing.
"Yeah, she is really cool. Why? Did someone didn't think she was?"
Both Sakura and Aoi looked surprised at his answer. The first one because she didn't think Naegi would consider her that way, the second one because that was the answer she expected to hear from herself, not from others. Aoi didn't lose a second in answering his question. She would ask Sakura to forgive her later.
"Well, you see, someone said Sakura was too manly to be considered cute."
Naegi looked at Sakura. And he thought with the same honesty he always spoke.
"Well, she looks cute. I mean, sure, she is not like other girls, but doesn't that make her more special? I mean…"
Naegi looked at Sakura.
"Doesn't your look shows how serious you are with your martial arts?"
Aoi perked up at this and looked at Sakura.
"See! Even he can see it! And he just met you! Why can't Kenshiro see it too?!"
Before Naegi could ask about Kenshiro, Sakura placed her hands over the mouth of Aoi who looked angry with her friend, and as much as she tried to push her hands away she lacked the physical strength for that.
"I apologize Naegi… I have been in a bit of a… down mood. Hina has been trying to cheer me up. I apologize she got you into this."
Before Naegi could speak, Sakura got out from the gym carrying the still fighting Aoi. He felt a bit saddened at not being able to help the students whom he was hoping to be friends.
Out of the gym and in the room of Sakura, Aoi was fuming furiously at her friend.
"Why did you do that?! He was being nice!"
Sakura sighed.
"You didn't need to get someone to tell me I was cute… or tell me how serious I am with my skills… really I am okay."
At this Aoi sighed, she couldn't stay angry with her friend.
"That's the problem Sakura… I didn't know of Naegi existence until today… I didn't tell him to say anything to you… what he said was just him being honest. I am sure of that."
This brought a surprise to Sakura as she looked at her hands. Scarred and full of muscle. Nothing like her friend cute and small hands. As she was looking at them she saw the small hand of her friend grasping hers.
"You are beautiful Sakura… don't let what others say get you down… I know you are not an ogre or someone who is aggressive…"
Aoi seemed to get angry for a moment.
"Why Kenshiro couldn't see that…"
Sakura sighed.
It was no secret she liked Kenshiro. And Kenshiro seemed to like her. But after a while when she trained to her best, she ended up with her current look… what others called the "Ogre" form… she didn't care so much for that, looks were never important. But when Kenshiro expressed his dislike for her new look she understood the hopes for a relationship were not there.
Aoi had known Sakura from a trip she did to train her swimming technique. They had become friends since then, and because of that friendship, she learned the whole deal with Kenshiro.
"Sakura… I know the last thing you want is people lying to you, but I am sure Naegi was being honest with you…"
She sighed before looking at her friend and bringing into a hug. Her petite frame covered by the bigger girl.
Aoi hugged her as she spoke soothing words to her friend. Many didn't know. But the so-called Ogre had a ton of feelings she kept down to protect herself.
"Cheer up Sakura, we just found today someone who saw you the same way I do!"
Sakura took notice her friend was crying.
"Are you okay Hina?"
She smiled still as tears came out of her eyes.
"Yeah! Is just! I am happy! I was right, someone else sees you the same way I do!"
Sakura found herself smiling softly at her friend. A girl so sensible and clear with her emotions she cried of happiness for her.
"Oh! I should send a message to my friend! He won't believe this day."
Sakura found herself nodding at her. Doing the same.
The girls had found out during their swimming training that they shared a common friend in their mobile phones. A name with a bunch of symbols. Quite weird, but they found out he was also quite nice to chat.
He heard all of Aoi ramblings about donuts, and he patiently listened to Sakura training and her emotional state. Something she mostly shared with Hina. But she found out he could be trusted. Something in him was… rather simple. Average? It brought hope in her for sure.
Naegi was walking towards his room. The day had so far been fun. He wished to help more. But he was having fun. He felt his phone vibrate as he approached his room. A couple of messages from his friends. He would read them immediately.
Hey! Remember me? Donuts! I am kidding. I know you remember me. Hey, you won't believe it! I almost broke my swimming record! I was swimming against my bestest of friends! Well aside from you of course. Both of you are my bestests of friends in the world. If I had to choose between a donut, you and her. I would choose her first because she would help me save you. And maybe manage to save the donut… point is I would choose you two… oh, but the story of the day! I believe I have managed to cheer my friend! We had a swimming race so she could distract herself…
Her messages often made him smile. Well. That was a lie. They always made him smile. It wasn't a matter of often. It simply happened. When she sends a message, they were always full of energy and they made him smile. He saw the other message too.
Hello, my dear friend… today has been a fun day. I know recently that I have not shared some good news. The situation with my old friend still weights on. Nevertheless, my friend cheers me up. Though I wished at times, she would just avoid getting me into weird situations. Today we had a swimming race. A boy was acting as a referee. He was nice. Albeit his body shows physical weakness… he seems to carry an emotional strength I find myself quite envious about….
The messages of his friend always carried a formality from someone who was used at constantly practicing a discipline. But something in the messages of today managed to hit him. And he felt curious about asking.
Are you Sakura Ogami?
Are you Aoi Asahina?
Naegi had no way of hearing it. The girl dorms were away from the male dorms so it was hard to hear the sounds. But he still felt as if someone was screaming, only to be muffled suddenly.
Had he been closer, he would have heard the scream coming from the room of Sakura. A pillow had muffled Aoi scream.
What he did hear. Was a knocking on his door. As he approached and opened the door he was met with the smile of Kirumi holding a tray that was covered.
"I apologize master… I mean Naegi… I made breakfast for you, but I couldn't find you. So I decided I would instead make you lunch… may I enter?"
Naegi sighed. He wanted to tell her she didn't need to be his maid. But he felt it would be useless. He only smiled and let her pass. Lunch with a friend was always welcome.
"Sure, what did you do for lunch?"
Kirumi smiled at the fact he didn't say no. She proceeded to put a mantle over the table in his room and brought out a pair of chopsticks from her uniform. A maid had to be always ready.
"I made something simple really."
Naegi was sure that the sushi silhouette of him was anything but simple.
"I made thinking of you."
Kirumi smiled after expressing herself and Naegi simply found himself embarrassed at the rather kind gesture. She pulled out a chair and motioned for him to sit. Once he found himself seated, she sat at his side pulling another chair. Naegi felt for a weird reason the feeling his room would be filled with more than just two chairs someday…
"Say ah master."
She held a piece of sushi with the chopsticks in her hand. Naegi looked at her in surprise, but before he could say anything he found himself with a piece of sushi inside his mouth. Any protest died there as he tasted the food.
"I am glad to see you like it."
Kirumi looked in happiness at Naegi. Feeling happy just by the fact she was able to make such expressions. Still, she noticed Naegi was thinking of something.
"Are… are you not going to eat too?"
She was surprised at this question. The answer should have been obvious.
"A maid cannot eat together with her master. I made this for you Naegi…"
She looked in surprise at his expression he smiled at her.
"Then is good we are friends, right? Friends can share a dish right?"
She found herself pleasantly surprised. A smile making a home in her face.
"Indeed… friends can share a meal."
She gave the chopsticks to Naegi. A smile placed in her face as she closed her eyes and opened her mouth slightly. Naegi face got red as he understood what she was implying. Still, she didn't move and kept her mouth slightly open, if anything she only said, ah, while waiting for him. Feeling flustered he took the chopsticks and feed her too.
The result was she started to enjoy the food with a smile in her face. Her eyes opened and she looked thankful at him.
"Thank you Naegi. I Guess is my turn then."
She took the chopsticks. But before she could take them Naegi asked.
"Don't you have another pair?"
At this, she sighed before nodding. She took the chopsticks out of her uniform.
"And here I thought we could have a romantic meal… I am not going to deny eating with you though."
She started eating in silence together with Naegi, a silence that was by no means awkward. Especially for the maid who was happy about just spending time in the company of Naegi.
Cut! Ah, I am having so much fun with this. I hope you enjoy the chapter! Thanks again everyone for sharing your time by reading this story.
Now, up to a fun part. The side events! This is stuff that happens with characters when they leave Naegi. Choose to take it seriously or not is at your discretion, later on, the story you might find out some of them to be more true to the story than you believe. Ho ho ho ho. I need a fan to laugh evilly.
Side events #1 Extra income. A promise between fellow women.
Shirogane was smiling working on the details of a dress for Naegi when she heard knocking in the door of the room. She approached and opened the door. She saw the girl she had met earlier. Tenko Chabashira.
"Oh, hello, how can I help you?"
The other girl seemed nervous before nodding and speaking up. Trying to act with pride when it was obvious she was flustered.
"I…I was hoping you could give me some pictures of Naegi photoshoot you were doing before?"
Shirogane smiled while extending her hand.
"Pay up. Nothing is free."
The girl looked angry but still came to take a couple of bills out of her pocket in the skirt she wore.
"Is that enough?"
Shirogane counted the money before nodding.
"Enough for now. Come in."
Inside the room, Tenko saw a picture of Naegi and Shirogane posing together smiling. She found herself smiling at the picture. She had her own picture in her cellphone in a similar pose. The fake cough of Shirogane caught her attention as she brought forward an envelope.
"Those are all the pictures of the photoshoot we had. But... if you are willing to pay I can give you the before and after pictures when I did the makeup and hair for it."
Tenko looked at her with a critical eye before speaking. All the while bringing money out.
"Why are you selling me the pictures so easily?"
The girl shrugged before accepting the money.
"I can see it in your eyes, you care for Naegi. And you also liked seeing him dressed as a girl."
Tenko started sweating but before she could try to defend herself she got another envelope.
"Don't feel bad. Is perfectly normal."
As Tenko was about to ask what was normal, she saw Shirogane bringing out a pillow with Naegi in it. Yet she could see that it had another side. Shirogane didn't need to be asked what was it before she chose to show her. The other side was Naegi dressed as Taiga.
"This is my secret. So I trust you will keep mine, and I will keep yours."
Tenko didn't judge her. She extended her free hand to Shirogane who clasped her hand. Both shook hands. Their eyes held no lies. Only pure honesty and the silent confession that both liked Naegi.
"You are far more impressive than I thought before Shirogane."
Said girl nodded. She ushered the other girl out. She still had work to do, and Tenko respected that.
Side events #2 Statement of Intent.
Aikido4life: Komaru! I need you right now.
KomaruN: Eh? What's going on, sounds urgent.
Aikido4life: Komaru. I must be clear with my intentions towards your brother.
KomaruN: You do? Did you finally decide to ignore the fact he is a guy and date him?
Aikido4life: That would be the healthier option. But no. I need to ask if you mind seeing your brother as a girl. I believe we can be happy together if I make him look more like a girl.
KomaruN: …
Aikido4life: Komaru? Have I disappointed you? I am sorry. But you should have seen it!
KomaruN: I dreaded this day would come when you two would meet. At least you are honest. So… I am guessing there is a picture?
Aikido4life: There you have it.
Komaru found herself surprised at the picture.
Komaru Naegi was a simple girl. With a simple purpose in life. Keep her brother safe. He was too pure for the world around him. And if he wasn't being hounded by girls. Was because they didn't know him. But there was no protecting him from strangers on the internet. She tried. Oh, her parents know she tried.
And yet, now she found herself seeing a picture of her brother in cosplay of Taiga from Toradora! And the worst part. Rocking it. She knew Tenko dislike for guys, well, hate. Nevertheless, she knew she would probably come to overcome it with her love for Naegi. The girl had a rather cute heart.
But this. This picture. This would bring a problem….
"Mom! The worst scenario has come to happen! They found out Naegi can look cute as a girl! This is not a simulacrum!"
The mother of Makoto and Komaru Naegi sighed. She knew. When her dear boy was born she saw too much of herself in him. She knew Makoto looks inherited from her would bring problems one day. She just wished it hadn't been so soon…
Side Events #3 What happened to the breakfast.
A breakfast composed of waffles, eggs, and fruits was in a plate. Sadly, it would not last for long. Kirumi Tojo found herself in a rather tight spot with it. She couldn't let it go to waste. However, she also wouldn't want anyone else to have it…. It was for her master but…
It would have to go to one of her mistresses….
She knocked on the door of the room of Celestia Ludenberg.
Said girl was in her room and got surprised at the plate in front of her.
"Tojo?"
The maid nodded at her.
"As much as this pains me. This breakfast was meant for Naegi. However, I can't find him. So… seeing as you have a relationship with him, that I may not approve… I am sure he wouldn't mind you having the breakfast instead."
Celestia looked at the plate and shrugged. She took it and yet sighed looking at the maid.
"…Is a big breakfast…"
"Indeed. It was meant for the master."
Celestia sighed.
"I can't finish this alone… want to share?"
Kirumi nodded before entering the room of Celes.
They might not like each other a lot. Nevertheless, they were civil enough to share a good breakfast.
CUT!
With that the chapter is closed, and I will hopefully be seeing all of you soon. Keep having a good week!